From Melbourne to Dubai, Sri Lankan diplomats renew commitment to ethical governance

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions across the world marked National Integrity Week 2026 with pledge-taking ceremonies, staff briefings and renewed commitments to transparent, accountable and people-centred public service, aligning overseas posts with the Government’s “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative.

Observed from 27 to 31 July under the theme “A Culture of Integrity – A Clean Sri Lanka”, the week sought to strengthen ethical governance, eradicate bribery and corruption, reduce waste and inefficiency, and embed integrity as a defining value of public administration.  Sri Lankan missions around the world joined the national observance, signalling a unified diplomatic commitment to institutional reform and civic responsibility beyond the country’s borders.

In Melbourne, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka formally commenced the observance on 27 July by taking the Integrity Oath/Pledge 2026 at its premises, while joining virtually in the programme organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. The Consulate General said the event affirmed the commitment of all staff members to uphold integrity, professionalism, transparency and accountability in the discharge of official duties. It also reaffirmed its focus on delivering people-centric, efficient and transparent consular services to Sri Lankans living in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, while improving service quality and maintaining ethical standards across its operations.

In Riyadh, Ambassador O.L. Ameer Ajwad joined Embassy staff at a solemn ceremony at the Sri Lankan Embassy premises, where they took the Integrity Pledge to mark the commencement of the week. The Embassy also participated virtually in the event held earlier that morning at the Ministry in Colombo. Addressing staff, Ambassador Ajwad underscored that integrity is the foundation of an effective, credible, and citizen-centred public service. He emphasised that integrity entails honesty, accountability, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right, even in the absence of supervision. He further noted that diplomats and public officers are entrusted with significant responsibilities while serving abroad, and that every action and decision they make reflects not only on the institution they serve but also on the image and reputation of Sri Lanka.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Doha joined government institutions and Sri Lankan missions abroad in commemorating the week with a special gathering held before the Embassy opened to the public. Staff took the oath, followed by an address by the Ambassador on the significance of the observance. The Embassy said the commemoration reaffirmed its continued commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency and ethical conduct in carrying out its duties in Qatar.

In Ramallah, the Representative Office of Sri Lanka in the State of Palestine held a solemn ceremony led by Representative Farook Mohamed Fawzer, with the participation of Attaché S. R. Mahinda Kumara and all staff members. The Mission’s staff took the National Integrity Pledge and reaffirmed their commitment to accountability, transparency and excellence in public service. Addressing diplomatic and administrative staff, Representative Farook Fawzer emphasised that integrity remains the cornerstone of effective public administration and reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and public service in the discharge of its responsibilities.

The Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai marked the occasion in parallel with the main official ceremony in Colombo. The Deputy High Commissioner and staff took the Integrity Pledge, committing to place the public interest above personal gain, uphold transparency, accountability, financial discipline and the rule of law, and serve every person seeking assistance with equality, compassion and without discrimination. The pledge also reflected a commitment to eradicate bribery, corruption, waste, conflicts of interest, nepotism and inefficiency

In Nairobi, the High Commission observed the commencement of National Integrity Week by reciting the Integrity Pledge in English. Addressing the staff, Acting High Commissioner Ruvini De Silva highlighted that the primary objective of the initiative is to foster an environment that nurtures public officers of integrity. She further emphasised that the values embodied in the initiative should not be viewed as a commitment confined to a single week of observance, but rather as guiding principles to be upheld consistently in the discharge of public duties.

At the High Commission of Sri Lanka in London, staff took the Integrity Pledge 2026 at a ceremony that reaffirmed their commitment to public interest, ethical conduct and the rejection of bribery, corruption, conflicts of interest and misconduct. High Commissioner Nimal Senadheera highlighted the importance of integrity, accountability, and discipline in public service. He stressed that public officers must follow rules and procedures while doing their jobs with respect and dedication. He also underscored the role of internal oversight mechanisms in promoting ethical conduct and accountability, stressing that a sustainable culture of integrity depends on the commitment of every public officer.

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, led by the Consul General Alexi Gunasekera virtually joined the Ministry’s commemorative ceremony before conducting morning and evening staff briefings on implementing the initiative. Following the pledge, the Consul General addressed staff on integrity as a cornerstone of public service and briefed them on embedding the ten national values into daily operations, particularly professionalism, teamwork, accountability, transparency and citizen-centred service.

Staff in Dubai were divided into working groups to implement specific programmes under the ten national values, with periodic progress reviews to be submitted through the Consulate General to the Ministry. The Consul General also noted that several initiatives had already begun to improve the physical environment and standards of the Consulate, creating a more welcoming and professional setting for the public. With the Consulate assisting approximately 150 people each day on consular matters, the mission said services would continue to be delivered in a friendly, courteous, efficient and supportive manner.

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Poland, Priyangika Dharmasena, thanked staff at the mission for their contribution, working as a team to reach the goals of the government, and requested their continued cooperation, while adhering to regulations and moral values The pledge to uphold the dignity, transparency, and efficiency of the Public Service was recited, reaffirming the commitment to discharge public service duties with integrity and dedication. The ten Clean Sri Lanka principles, displayed in three languages, were exhibited for Sri Lankan consular visitors to the Embassy.

Addressing staff at the Sri Lankan embassy in Paris, Ambassador Sugeeshwara Gunaratna highlighted the key anti-corruption initiatives currently being undertaken by the government. He emphasized that combating corruption requires a comprehensive approach focused on prosecution, prevention, institutional strengthening, and fostering a strong moral and ethical foundation across society through the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.

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